OEM tow package wiring

[Dallas99]

Hey guys,
My OEM trailer wiring isn't live (tested by U-Haul)-- a visual inspection just under the rear of the cruiser didn't show anything out of the norm. Is there a control box or fuse associated with the factory wiring? I can't find it in the owner's manual and my searches aren't pulling up anything similar.
Thanks

 

[Dallas99]

OK-- just found this: https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/towing-wire-harness-recall-98-99.29687/
I'll start here.

 

[TXLX100]

There is a better thread that shows you how to make up a new tail light converter which is likely a good starting point:

https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/2000-lx470-trailer-harness-replacement.788028/#post-9032928

 

[Dallas99]

Thanks TXLX!

 

[Dallas99]

Update: Dealer looked at the tow wiring and the converter is bad, however, it was replaced by original owner in 99 under the recall. They also said that it's no longer available through Toyota and an aftermarket is required-- $400 for installation. Looking at options posted by TXLX100 above-- this thread: https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/2000-lx470-trailer-harness-replacement.788028/#post-9032928

for reference:
etrailer, T-One wiring harness
Northern Tool, Hopkins taillight converter

 

[G-Cat]

Happened to both my 99s. First one, I wired in an aftermarket generic box from Autozone...worked great.

Current one the guys at UHaul bypassed the box altogether with a few wires...no charge...works great 2 years later.


...via IH8MUD app

 

[Dallas99]

Happened to both my 99s. First one, I wired in an aftermarket generic box from Autozone...worked great.

Current one the guys at UHaul bypassed the box altogether with a few wires...no charge...works great 2 years later.


...via IH8MUD app

The bypass sounds like a nice solution, but without the converter, are the brake lights and signals on the cruiser working in parallel? I ended up ordering a unit from Amazon that should do the trick. I'll update when I get it sorted out.